PMC to produce cooking gas at its biogas plant

Mar 12, 2013, 04:00 IST
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Vivek Sabnis

Taking cognisance of several complaints received from residents regarding the sound pollution, the PMC is now exploring the possibility of converting its 4-year-old biogas plant at Model Colony to produce cooking gas.

The plant currently generates electricity that is used to light up streetlights in the nearby residential areas. But, the ear-splitting sound emanating from the plant during operation has been giving residents sleepless nights.

MiD DAY had earlier in an article (‘Generator noise gives sleepless nights,’ January 18) had highlighted the inconvenience, following which the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) issued a notice to the civic body two months ago for violating the prescribed noise level of 45 decibels. The noise level at the plant touches 72 decibels.

Over 50 residents staying near the biogas plant complained to the PMC regarding the problem. “Our request has finally been heeded by the PMC. Thanks to MiD DAY, our children can now study peacefully,” said Asawari Pandit, a resident from the area.

Suresh Jagtap, assistant municipal commissioner, Solid Waste Management, said, “Converting the electricity generation plant into cooking gas is the new change at the plant. We have to take this decision, as the noise level can’t be controlled despite attempts to reduce the decibel level with the help of experts.”

“Gas can be produced 24x7. The gas will have to be transmitted via a pipeline since we can’t fill up the gas in cylinders, as it is against the directives of the Petroleum Ministry. If this project is successful here, it can be replicated at 23 villages in the old limits of the city. We can also provide the gas for PMC’s gas crematoriums in the city by using the latest available technology,” said Jagtap.

Vinay Pai, a senior citizen, said, “Converting waste to cooking gas will be more practical. PMC should also lay pipelines in the nearby slums so that residents are benefited from this facility, instead of using the traditional method of cooking using fire wood.”